Debates of February 10, 2006 (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am devoting my Member’s statement to a very well-respected elder of Fort Simpson who passed away on Wednesday, Mrs. Albertine Rohdes. She shared her traditional, cultural and spiritual knowledge and skills with all, and with a passion that is rare to find. She was like a museum to the people of Nahendeh and throughout the Northwest Territories.

Her political involvement stretched throughout the decades, influencing the development and the path of our communities and people. She was there during the birth of our aboriginal and Metis political organizations, '70s, '80s and '90s. Her sphere of influence and the people she touched are extensive, and I am sure that even some of us here today in this House remember a special moment we were honoured to share with her.

With Albertine, family always came before work or politics. She had an amazing knowledge of family, that far-extended family, even two or three generations of ancestors all over the North. She was often the one who kept many families in touch. People say she was the keeper of names, very important to who we are and where we come from as a people.

A special condolence on behalf of our Assembly to her husband, Herb, her sons Wayne and Joey, and her two daughters Beatrice and Amy. She was a grandmother to six children, three grandsons and three granddaughters.

We will never forget how she nurtured as a mother and grandmother, inspired as a friend, and guided as a leader and elder. Albertine has passed and as we grieve, we must always remember we were blessed to have had her in our lives at all. She lived a life full of love and she will always be remembered.

I once heard a saying, Mr. Speaker, that good people die, but death could never kill their names. Mahsi cho.

---Applause